CHEMISTRY I
Teacher: Mrs. Roach
Room: S7
Times: 3rd, 4th and 5th Periods
Email: (work)
(home)
Site Builder: http://www.asdk12.org/staff/roach_heather
**Homework, pre-labs, and other important documents are found here.
First Class: http://eastnet1.asdk12.org/~heather_roach
Grading Standards:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
< 60% = F
Grading Breakdown:
Grades are based on a TOTAL POINTS scale. All assignments (i.e. tests, homework, labs, projects) will have a point value and your grade is the value of points earned/total points based on the above scale. The only weighted assignment will be the Final Exam. This exam is worth 15% of your semester grade.
Grades will NOT be rounded. Therefore, an 89.9% will be assigned a grade of ‘B’. However, I may drop a few assignments at the end of each semester. Extra credit cannot raise your grade by more than 2%.
Course Overview:
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. This course is designed to provide an introduction to chemistry. Successful completion of this course satisfies the physical science credit required for graduation. During our year together we will explore the following themes aligned with the State and National Science Content Standards.
1) Science as Inquiry
Science is not a ‘cookbook’ set of instructions, but a process of discovery. Throughout the year you will be asked to formulate your own questions and design a set of procedures to investigate those questions.
2) Structure and Organization
Atoms, Elements, Molecules, The Periodic Table, and matter in general will be investigated.
3) Changes
What is a chemical reaction? How can I tell? How is it different from a physical change? It is expected by the end of this course you should be able to distinguish one from another in any given circumstance.
4) The Language of Chemistry
Writing and naming chemical formulas. Emphasis will be placed upon inorganic chemistry.
4) Measurement
We’ll study how atoms are counted (the Mole), the proportions of molecules, and become more proficient at using the metric system.
5) Energy
Conservation of energy, and its interactions with matter are integral to chemistry.
Homework Policy:
Homework will be due on specified dates. Late assignments will not be accepted after the end of the unit, or after I have returned corrected work - whichever occurs first! All late work scores will be deducted 30%. This is extremely important and can have a large impact on your grade!! After the late assignment grace period, incomplete assignments will receive a score of zero.
Make - Up Work Policy:
- It is the responsibility OF THE STUDENT to obtain all make-up work. According to the school handbook, you will be allowed one day to make up an assignment for every day you are gone on an excused absence. The maximum amount of time is 5 days, regardless of the length of the absence. If you need to make up a lab, you will be expected to do so during lunch or after school by special arrangement. Be aware that due to supply limitations, some labs are impossible to make up in which case an alternative assignment will be given. **Please check the blue crate on the counter under the hanging Periodic Table for assignments you missed during your absence. Remember – utilize Site Builder & First Class – they are excellent resources for keeping up with your assignments.
Class Expectations:
- As High School students and young adults, I expect you to be able to distinguish between behavior that is appropriate, and that which is inappropriate. Some guidelines for this class are as follows:
1) RESPECT
-For yourself, each other, the teacher, and the learning environment.
2) BE PREPARED Bring with you the supplies needed to learn such as paper, pen/pencil, calculator, lab notebook, and Periodic Table. I will not give you a pass to go to your locker to retrieve forgotten items. Plan ahead!!
3) BE PUNCTUAL. You are considered tardy if you are not in your seat BEFORE the bell rings.
4) LEAVE ALL FOOD AND DRINK OUTSIDE. – Water bottles are permitted.
5) ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES OR CD/MP3 PLAYERS. If you access these devices during class, they will be confiscated and turned in to the discipline office.
6) BE CAREFUL! You are responsible for purchasing any glassware that you break during class. Chemistry supplies are limited and expensive!
7) Extreme or continued poor conduct and/or disregard for the safety rules will result in a student being sent to the office. Each day spent there will be considered an unexcused absence, resulting in a zero for that assignment. I HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS UNSAFE BEHAVIOR!
Course Guidelines:
1) Tests will be announced several days in advance. You will have daily quizzes. If a student is absent or tardy to class, regardless of the reason, the daily quiz is not made-up. Point values range from 1 to 5 points.
** I WILL NOT permit retakes of exams or quizzes. I expect quality work the first time it is done. All tests will require parental signature, regardless of the score earned.
2) Chemistry is a lab intensive course. All lab investigations will be completed within your lab notebook. Prelabs will be available online several days prior to the lab day. Each lab will require a title, purpose, and detailed instructions prior to completing the experiment. No handouts will be permitted during the lab – your lab notebook will be your only resource. In addition, organized data, appropriate graphs, calculations, and a conclusion will be required elements. As we begin our lab investigations, I will describe the use of these research notebooks in greater depth.
3) Implementation of technology is an integral portion of this course. All lab investigations and several homework assignments will be available on the First-Class and Site Builder websites. It is your responsibility to download pertinent lab and/or homework files and complete the assignments prior to class. Computer/internet access is readily available in my classroom, the East High Library, as well as the Loussac Public Library. I will teach you how to make use of these valuable resources.
4) Your midterm and final exams will be held on the last day of each semester. Expect the exams to be comprehensive. Your final exam will comprise 15% of your semester grade.
5) You should obtain a notebook to use during class for class notes and supplemental material. Organization will be a key component to success in chemistry!!
6) Your grades will be kept and averaged using a computerized grading program. Every effort will be made to provide an accurate and current progress report weekly via email and/or my district website.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
Please bring with you to class, each day:
1) Pencils (with erasers) and Pens
2) A Calculator (Scientific - TI-84 Plus is highly recommended, although any scientific calculator will suffice.) I will not supply calculators other than those required for calculator based lab investigations!!
3) Paper/notebook for note taking.
4) Lab notebook (These may be left in class on non-lab days).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1) SAFETY GOGGLES - Each student is required to have a pair of splash protective safety goggles. These can be purchased at several stores around Anchorage, or from East High. Used goggle sales will only take place during the lunch period. You will not be permitted to participate in lab without goggles! **Due in class by Monday, August 24, 2009**
2) A COMPOSITION RESEARCH NOTEBOOK – These will serve as your lab notebooks during lab investigations. Several times throughout the year you will have lab-based assessments – a well-organized research notebook will be essential for your success. I recommend the quad lined books (looks like a book of graph paper). No spiral or top bound notebooks – these tend to fall apart. **Due in class by Monday, August 24, 2009**
3) A LARGE BOX OF KLEENEX. It is very difficult for me to keep up with the demand during the cold/flu season.
A DAY WITHOUT CHEMISTRY IS LIKE A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE!!
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